Gundam Artifact: Zaku III

Uncertain, Unwilling, And Empty.

Over the last year or two, we have been experimenting with Flames of Orion, a mech combat game designed by Steve (sovthofheaven). Last month, we finally converted and painted a model for the game, Dark Spirit, a mech that Greg has used in various forms for most of his time playing the game. The game recently completed a successful Kickstarter, prompting me to consider creating a small group of mechs to play in future games. Years back, I assembled a Gundam Artifact Rick Dias model, which is at a scale suitable for Flames of Orion, and I decided I could assemble a few more to make a Combat Unit for the game. This led me to assemble a Zaku III from their Phase 2 line of models!

The Artifact models are all push-fit models, which do not require glue. However, I still recommend using glue. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement can be added after you snap the pieces together to minimize seam lines.

The Zaku III assembled in all of its glory!

Unlike most other Gundam models, the Artifact line has virtually no articulation, other than allowing you to move the arms at the shoulder, but not at any of the joints. This is not a significant issue, due to their small size.

Most of the seam lines are minor, but I may go back and fill in a few with modeling putty to minimize them even further before painting the model.

The Zaku III next to a Rick Dias (from Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam).

The Gundam Artifact Zaku III next to a True-Scale Space Marine.

The Zaku captured on ILFORD Delta 400 film (Nikon F3, 55mm f2.8 Micro-Nikkor)!

- Eric Wier